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Predators Announce All-Star Game Local Organizing Committee Board of Directors

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Nashville Predators
/ Nashville Predators

Nashville, Tenn. (December 15, 2014) – The Nashville Predators, in conjunction with the Nashville Sports Council, announced today the formation of the Nashville NHL All-Star Game Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is led by Chairperson Chris Karbowiak, Chief Administrative Officer for Nashville-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc., and Vice Chair Jim Murphy, an attorney and partner at the Nashville office of law firm Bradley, Arant, Boult, Cummings LLP. The Board includes representation from many Nashville organizations and will be responsible for event planning and will oversee fundraising, marketing communications, lodging, downtown engagement and event, administration and operations functions.

National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman named Nashville host of the 2016 NHL All-Star Weekend during a press conference in Bridgestone Arena’s Lexus Lounge on Friday, Oct. 17. The League’s multi-day mid-season showcase, which also includes a skills competition and a fan fair, is slated to be held in the days surrounding the All-Star Game played on Sunday, Jan. 31.

"Hosting the 2016 NHL All-Star Game gives Nashville and Bridgestone Arena a tremendous opportunity to shine on the international stage,” Karbowiak said. “The All-Star Game is a time for the NHL’s best to showcase their world-class talent, and I believe we’ve established an all-star team of our own to manage the 14-month planning process. We look forward to organizing an event that sets the standard for other All-Star Games to follow, and one that truly celebrates the distinct culture of Music City.”

In recognition of the time and dedication they spent keeping hockey in Nashville and bringing the NHL All-Star Game to Music City, Mayor Karl Dean, Governor Bill Haslam, former Governor Phil Bredesen, former First Lady of Tennessee Andrea Conte, Predators Chairman and Governor Tom Cigarran and Bridgestone Americas CEO and President Gary Garfield were named honorary chairs of the Board.

Additionally, the Board of Directors has named Country Music Hall of Fame member, and Nashville Predators Foundation board member, Vince Gill, Mayor of Smashville, and longtime Predators broadcaster Terry Crisp, Vice Mayor of Smashville. In these roles, Gill and Crisp will be the faces of the NHL All-Star Game, helping showcase the enthusiastic base of hockey supporters in the region and all that Nashville has to offer as host of this premier event.

“As someone who calls Nashville home, and has been a hockey fan for my entire life, it’s a true honor to be part of hosting the 2016 NHL All-Star Game here in Tennessee,” Gill said. “This event gives us the opportunity to share the great city of Nashville with the entire hockey world.”

With less than 14 months to go before the All-Star Game is hosted in Nashville, the Board of Directors has already begun meeting and several members of the Board will travel to Columbus, Ohio in January to observe the 2015 NHL All-Star Game festivities. As hosts of this world-class event, the Board of Directors is committed to supporting youth hockey and the community, two large aspects of the Predators franchise, as well as developing special events for Preds season-ticket holders, partners and fans, as well as guests from all over the world.

Upcoming All-Star Game announcements will include the official logo unveiling, details on additional hockey-themed events, weekend activities and more. For details and information on how to secure tickets, visit nashvillepredators.com/allstar.